On November 28th “Papa Tom” Longo passed peacefully from this earth in his 90th year, with his beloved wife Margery at his side.
Thomas Longo was born in 1930 in Thorold Ontario to proud immigrant parents James Longo and Celia (Fortura) who had arrived from Italy at the dawn of the 20th century. As the first of his family born in pre-war Canada, he was admonished by his father that Italy was on the wrong side of brewing troubles, and he should “be Canadian”. Like many families in that time, they struggled, but were happy and hopeful, and young Tommy spent his childhood amongst many family and friends in the same neighborhood where he would spend the rest of his life.
As a young adult he went off to the University of Toronto (St. Michael’s College), graduating from medical school in 1955. After marrying Margery (Coleman) in 1955 they went to Buffalo, New York where he interned at Mercy Hospital. After his internship they returned to Canada in 1956 with their first child. Shortly thereafter they purchased their family home on Sullivan Avenue, just a block from where he had grown up.
The next few years were filled with raising an ever-expanding family and building a medical practice. The medical practice started in the house, but as the family grew, the practice required an addition on the house. When the family continued to grow, eventually to a family of nine children, the practice moved into the house next door, until some grown children left the home, and he could eventually move the practice back into the original addition in the house.
Over 14 years, the family continued to grow to a household of nine children. Tom was a hard-working doctor, and a day didn’t go by that he didn’t have office hours to meet, a house call to make, or somebody to care for. But he always had time for his family. We all remember him coming home from work and rolling around on the living room floor with all of his kids . . . until someone inevitably yelled “I can’t breathe, I can’t breathe”.
We all remember the “Tom-isms”, like “Be a good boy all of your life, not part of your life”, and “You’re a wonderful girl . . . full of wonder” and heard every morning while leaving for school, “Study hard”.
An avid sportsman, a hockey player in his youth who built us a rink in the backyard every year and would be out there with us every night, first tying our skates then either teaching the younger ones to skate, or showing the older ones some of his “stick skills”.
He loved to travel and walk the streets to see how other people lived. He enjoyed horse racing, playing craps and gin rummy, and other than a short foray into racehorse ownership, he was pretty good at all of those endeavors.
Dad was always in good spirits, and never took a day off. He worked tirelessly to alleviate people’s suffering in ways too numerous to mention. He was a good listener and took interest in everyone. He didn’t complain, he just rolled up his sleeves and got to work. His good spirits stayed with him right up to the end.
A lifelong member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish he received a Papal Letter and Medal from John Paul II in 2003 for his work in the community.
Thomas will be remembered as the beloved husband of Margery (Coleman) for 64 years. Dear father to nine children: Jim (Janis Ellis), Janice (John Kingston), John (Krista), Mary Theresa (John Sipple), Anthony (Stacey), Joseph (Michele), Susan (Kim Milburn), Justin (Julie), and Elizabeth.
Proud Papa to Tyler, Amanda, Julia, Lauryn, Jack, Tom, and Claire.
Brother of Ann Marie (Harold Gallagher) and the late Bill Longo (Liz). Predeceased by dearly missed sister-in-law, Arlene Longo.
Uncle Tom will be missed by several nieces and nephews.
He lived a wonderful life, “full of wonder”.
A Funeral Mass was celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE HOLY ROSARY CHURCH, 21 Queen Street South, Thorold on Monday, December 2, 2019 at 11 a.m.
The Rite of Committal was held at Lakeview Cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to Christian Horizons, St. Catharines, or to the Holy Rosary Building Fund.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. D. Ralph, the personal support workers, the nursing staff at Hotel Dieu Shaver, Cousins Anne Atkinson and Celia Shepherd, and Sister Louise Dillon for their care and compassion shown to Tom and his family.
Sincere condolences to Marge and the Longo family. Great memories of joyful times when Marge and Tom visited Janice and John in Prescott and we got the Irish music going.
Sorry for loss.
Heaven has gained a real angel, I remember his caring and devotion to his patients.
Sending our love and condolences to you, Marge and the Longo family. It was always so nice visiting with you both at Jim’s. Tom was such a lovely, kind person, full of joy and always smiling. Thinking of you all at this difficult time.
Love, Trish, Dylan and Jack
Mary has been a very dear friends for many many years…. I have heard many stories about the family. My heart and condolences go out to you all.
I am also a Canadian and have 9 siblings, and live in Topanga. We will take good care of Mary here.
Hugs to you all Karla Morrison
Our deepest condolences to the Longo Family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Dear Marge & the entire Longo family,
Please accept our sincerest condolences on the passing of Dr. Tom.
Sorry we couldn’t be with you but please be assured our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We have fond memories of his kindness and professionalism & great sense of humour. May he rest in peace & may perpetual light shine upon him.
With sympathy & love,
Cristina Carbone, Anna & Gary, Vince & Yvette & families
Marti and I were sorry to read of Tom’s death. I can not believe Tom was 90. Where or where do all the decades go. All our best to Marge and family at this difficult time.
Peter and Marti Jurmain
Sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences. He is fondly remembered by our family. He was our dedicated doctor for many years.
Heartfelt condolences from the Born Family. Many memories of Labour Day gatherings with the Longo, Riches, Borns and Colemans in the Riches back yard. Tommy was a kind, caring man in both his personal and his professional life. Leaving many good memories for those who knew him and loved him.
Dear Mrs. Longo and family,
I would like to express our condolences on behalf of the Kenny family. Dr. Longo was our family doctor until his retirement and we will always remember the special care we received from him. I specifically remember two instances my parents talked to him after mass to have a look at one of us sick kids, and as well he took such good care of our father in his final years. May be rest in peace!
Dear John, Krista and the entire Longo Family. Mary Ann and I extend our most sincere condolences to all of you. We were saddened today to learn of your Dad’s passing and our thoughts are with you during this difficult time. May the memories and cherished moments you have bring a smile to your soul when you think of your Dad. And may he rest in the peace that he deserved.
With condolences, Stan and Mary Ann.
Dr. Longo will be so sadly missed. He delivered me as well as my sister and mother and was my doctor up until he retired. So many beautiful childhood memories of such a wonderful, gentle and compassionate doctor and man. He truly cared about all his patients. I will always remember his heartfelt words to me at my mother’s funeral. A beautiful soul that so obviously lived a life inspired by God.
He gave the absolute best needles, totally painless….. I still tell my own children about that!
Thank you Dr. Longo. May you enjoy eternal rest in the hands of God and may your family be blessed with faith, hope, love, comfort and peace.
Dear Marge and family,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Tom. Our deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to all of you.
It was a joy and a blessing for John and I to have known him for the past 10 years and love that he still enjoyed coming out to Friday Night Mixed golf the past two years even though he no longer was able to actively participate. He was there riding along with Marge almost every Friday night and participated in any special event as best he could…but dinner was always his favourite time.
He lived a full and wonderful life raising a family he was so proud of as he spoke of them often. RIP Dr. Tom!
John, Krista and the Longo family. We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Debbie and Jim Norton
To Ash, Stacey, Julia and family, we extend our deepest sympathy for your loss. We were fortunate to meet Thomas several times and always found ourselves drawn in by his warm and comforting personality. Art, Kerry and Kyle Weaver
We extend our deepest sincere condolences to John , Krista and the Longo Family. Our prayers will be with you during this time of sorrow. God Bless Thomas
Dear Marge and family.
It is with heart-felt sympathy that we send our condolences to you and yours on the loss of your Tom. God Bless
Elaine & John
(from the dinner club)
Although we did not know Dr. Longo personally we have know his son John for many years. John is fine man and friend and a great testament to his father. Our deepest condolences to the entire Longo family.
Roger and Carrie Taylor
Dear Marge and family, our heartfelt condolences on Tom’s passing. May you find comfort as family and friends gather together to support you.
Tom was our doctor, a dear family friend, and my employer when I babysat for your family. He helped us get through many difficult times in our lives.
Tom’s kindness and generosity of spirit left a lasting impression on all of those who knew him.
Our deepest condolences to the Longo Family.
Dr. Longo was a caring, gentle man who will be missed by many. We are so thankful he was our family doctor and close friend for many years.
Love, Karen & Denis Blais and family.❤️🌹
Respect. Admiration. Class. Just a few of the good thoughts which come to mind when I think of Doc Longo. Very sorry to see that he has passed.
Peace to you all at this time.
KInd Regards
A strong pillar in Thorold’s history, his legacy will continue to live on…..Sending prayers and sympathy on your loss.
Marge and family. So sorry to hear . Tom was such a wonderful friend and doctor. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time.
I don’t know Dr Longo personally, but his son Justin is a great teacher with a warm and cheerful smile. Thank you for raising such a fine young man.
My prayers goes to the entire family. Thank you for your tremendous service to humanity and may your soul rest in light perpetual 🙏.
My most heartfelt condolences to Marge and family. You can’t replace people like Dr. Tom as he was affectionately called at times. Besides being one of the best doctors we’ve ever had in Thorold, Dr Tom was truly a special human being. God Bless you Dr Tom.
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of this kind and gentle man and will fondly remember many shared golf games at Beechwood. Tom and Marge were always the first couple to welcome in new members with their warm and friendly manner. Tom will be dearly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Marge and the family during this most difficult time. Rest in peace Dr. Longo.
Our deepest condolences for the passing of Dr. Longo.
Our prayers for the family at this very difficult time.
Heartfelt condolences to the Longo family. Thorold is losing a great Doctor and a friend to many.
Heartfelt condolences to the Longo family. Many great memories of hanging out at the house with Mary and her siblings, and always feeling welcome by Tom and Marge. It was a house of love and I agree, wonder! Peace and happiness Dr. Longo, on your next journey.
As a graduate of The Mack Training School, the St. Catharines General Hospital during the 60s, I was privileged to work with Dr. Longo. He was a wonderful doctor- caring of his patients and kind to the nursing students. Others were not so kind! I would like his family to know he was much appreciated and will be remembered.
Condolences to Marge and all of the children, your husband and father was truly a man for all people.
He was so proud of his family and of Thorold.
Truly a great loss.
Dear Marge and family,
I am saddened to hear of the death of your husband and father. I have wonderful memories of him being a kind and loving man. He was always so generous and supportive to Christian Horizons. He was a true family man. May God give you comfort and blessing as you walk through this difficult journey.
What a wonderful man. He helped deliver one of my boys and I knew I was in good hands. This world was a better place with him in it! I will celebrate him in my thoughts and prayers and I thank God that Tom Longo was part of my community.
We send our heartfelt condolences for your loss. Dr. Longo will always be in our hearts. He will be missed by many and never forgotten by all. May he RIP.
Deepest condolences to his family. May you forever carry with you the memories and love.
Memories of Dr Longo making house calls when we were ill. Truly a “family” doctor. My thoughts and prayers to your family.
Carmela Mancini
Our deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Longo was a fantastic doctor and friend to our family.
Kim and Chris Earle
I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. I am sure all of your wonderful memories will help ease the pain. Love Lydia
Dear Justin,
I am deeply saddened by the loss that you have encountered!
You and your family are in my heart and mind. My most sincere condolences on the passing of your father.
Our Deepest Condolences!
Sorry for your loss !
God Bless.
Michael &. Vittoria
Sending our deepest and heartfelt condolences to the Longo family. Dr. Longo healed everyone from my generation and more. Lovely man who raised a wonderful family, he will always be missed.
Chris Buckmaster and Family